Douglas Herbert Grainger, 86, died Thursday, June 9, 2005 in Marion at home with his family, peacefully and quickly from cancer. He was the husband of Rachel Pickle Stover Grainger. They recently celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary.
He was born April 16, 1918 in Troy, New York, the son of the late Canute and Lillian (Lovely) Grainger. At age 16, he moved to Boston where he worked at Ark-Les Corporation in Watertown. He quickly became head of the shipping department. At age 25, he joined the Army Air Corps in World War II as a first lieutenant, flying B-24 bombers in the Southwest Pacific Theater. He was attached to the 64th Bombardment Squadron and the 43rd Bombardment Group, where he was known as the "Old Man." His decorations and citations include the Air Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Asiatic Pacific Service Medal and the Philippines Liberation Service Medal.
After the war, he returned to civilian life and to Ark-Les where he became plant manager for twenty years. He then worked at Joseph Pollack Corporation in the position of Vice President, retiring in 1982. In that same year, Doug went to work with two of his sons, Gary and Jacob, at Alpha Grainger Manufacturing, where he held the position of Vice President. He was still employed there at the time of his death.
Mr. Grainger had several hobbies, one of which was cutting gemstones. He was an avid fisherman and enjoyed gardening. His family was a great source of pride to him as well. He and his wife traveled extensively during their marriage to the Philippines, China, Japan, Taiwan, and England. Many of their travels were to the Bahamas and Florida as well.
The Graingers moved to Marion in 1971. They were members of the Kittansett Club for 35 years where they had a large circle of friends. He was loved by everyone who knew him.
Survivors include his wife; his sister, Quendrid Drustrup of Upper Black Eddy, Pennsylvania; four sons, Douglas Jr. and his wife Ann Marie, of Barnstable, Jacob and his companion Jody of Sherborn, Gary and his wife Carmen, and Geoffrey and his wife Karilon, all of Marion; and eight grandchildren, Douglas III, Danielle, Samantha, Leslie, Caroline, Lauren, Alissa, and Julianne.
A gathering to celebrate Mr. Grainger's life will be held at the Kittansett Club for friends and family. Donations may be made to your favorite charity in Doug's name.